The why behind aromatherapy, elephant poaching and more in MNN's week in review

• Can the power of scent help you curb bad habits? Lifestyle blogger Starre Vartan explains how she's using aromatherapy to help her lose weight.

• Elephant poaching in Africa is running rampant because of a renewed lust for ivory around the globe. So is there anything you can do to help elephants? Read on for six ways to make a difference.

• The burning photo above may look like a strange, ancient ritual, but in reality it's just a bunch of college kids in West Virginia burning a couch. It's part of our odd collection of wasteful college football traditions. Go team?!

• Anyone who has tried to type with a cat on the keyboard knows there is much to learn about these mysterious creatures. We started with a simple question: why do cats purr?

• And if you're looking for peaceful, we've got that covered, too: Garden writer Tom Oder takes you on a tour of 13 must-see botanical gardens. You'll be planning your next trip in no time.

• The Clean Water Act will be 40 years old this fall. But amid old legal doubts and new environmental dangers, it may be facing a midlife crisis. Russell McLendon explains why you should be paying attention.